COPS is one of the longest-running reality TV shows in history, but also one of the most dangerous to make.

Every week, a small camera crew follows around real police officers stopping real crimes in progress. But on Tuesday, for the first time in the show's history, a crew member lost his life during filming.

Sound supervisor Bryce Dion was riding along with Omaha PD to an armed robbery when the suspect opened fire.

Police returned fire, killing the suspect. But unfortunately Bryce was shot as well.

Police later reported that Bryce had been killed not by the suspect, who it turns out was actually firing an Airsoft pellet gun. He was killed by friendly fire from the police he had been riding with.

Apparently he WAS wearing standard tactical gear, including a kevlar vest, but the bullet hit him in the arm hole.

COPS had been filming their new season in Omaha for two months. Show creator John Langley said that the remaining show crew would be getting counseling.